Ai Weiwei's video message for Palazzo Strozzi: stay home and united
Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei has released a video message for Palazzo Strozzi's 'In Contatto' digital initiative, encouraging Italians to stay home and remain united during the Coronavirus pandemic. The video, available on the Florentine institution's blog, follows contributions from Palazzo Strozzi Director General Arturo Galansino. In the message, Ai Weiwei describes the virus as 'almost democratic', crossing borders, nationalities, classes, and religions, and calls for solidarity, understanding, scientific research, and a positive attitude. This comes after Ai Weiwei faced criticism on March 5 for an Instagram meme suggesting 'Coronavirus is like pasta. The Chinese invented it, but Italians will spread it around the world'. The video appears to be an attempt to make amends. Palazzo Strozzi's 'In Contatto' project transforms its website blog into a platform for texts, images, videos, and insights to maintain contact with the public during the nationwide museum closures due to the pandemic.
Key facts
- Ai Weiwei released a video message for Palazzo Strozzi's 'In Contatto' initiative.
- The video encourages Italians to stay home and remain united during the Coronavirus pandemic.
- Ai Weiwei describes the virus as 'almost democratic', crossing all boundaries.
- He calls for solidarity, understanding, scientific research, and a positive attitude.
- On March 5, Ai Weiwei posted an Instagram meme comparing Coronavirus to pasta, which drew criticism.
- The video is seen as an attempt to make amends for the controversial Instagram post.
- Palazzo Strozzi's 'In Contatto' project uses its blog to share content during museum closures.
- Arturo Galansino, Director General of Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi, also contributed to the initiative.
Entities
Artists
- Ai Weiwei
Institutions
- Palazzo Strozzi
- Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi
- Artribune
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- China